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The tool contained in every case of C-Rations used as a can opener. It is so versatile that Marines used it as a Phillips and slot screw driver, rudimentary box opener, scraper and even push tool. Generally worn with the Dog Tags around the neck. (see John Wayne)

A Navy and Coast Guard series of ranks vaguely equivalent to noncommissioned officers. The insignia consists of from one to three inverted chevrons with a Navy Eagle perched on top. There is a graphic between the eagle and the chevrons which indicates the specialty of that particular petty officer.

Platoon Leaders’ Course. An innovative officer training program in which participants take part in officer training during the summers of their college years and upon graduation from college are commissioned Second Lieutenants of Marines. There are no classes or commitments during the school year. The program also has two career specific tracks: aviation and legal.

The page in the service record book containing a chronological listing of a Marine”s favorable and unfavorable actions. The entries include: listing a DUI, records of courts martial, and warnings about the length of the grass at your assigned quarters. Positive entries include everything from a thank you letter from a community agency to a Medal of Honor. Page 11 entries stay with a Marine FOREVER.

Physical Fitness Test. A biannual test to ensure that Marines are within the Marine Corps’ physical standards. The test includes a timed three-mile run, pull-ups (for men), bent arm hang (for women) and crunches (up to 100 in a two minute period). The Marine’s height-to-weight ratio is also measured and must fall within established standards. A Physical Fitness Calculator is located here. (what is the link?)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Previously called Shell Shock (WW I) or Battle Fatigue (WW II), it is the first line of legal defense when a Vietnam Vet goes berserk and kills a lot of innocent civilians. It manifests itself mostly as dreams recalling battlefield situations or in response to sharp sounds or scenario. Those with PTSD respond as though they were in combat–not acceptable in polite society.

1. (noun) A place where a Marine is assigned, i.e., sentry post or an embassy. Used extensively by the Army to designate bases not named forts. 2. (verb) A marching command for specific officers to take their assigned positions, or the act of placing a sentry on post or assigning a Marine to an embassy.

Location of the Marine Corps’ east coast Recruit Depot. (background) Named for its previous owner, it has been a Naval facility since the Civil War and a Marine Corps activity since 1915. It is the only training site for female Marines. Parents, friends and other relatives of Marine Corps Recruits can find help and understanding among the members of myMarine.

Lieutenant General of Marines. The icon of a Marine whose exploits, on and off the battlefield, are the genesis of many legends. His command of a Marine regiment at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea earned him the love of his men and an entire Corps. For decades, Marine Drill Instructors would have their recruits recite, “Good night General Puller, wherever you are” before retiring for the night. (see Chosin Reservoir)

A tradition among enlisted Marines in which anyone senior in rank to a newly promoted Marine is allowed to punch the new rank insignia, thereby pinning them on. In the mid-to-late 20th Century, it became a custom for Recon Marines to have their jump wings literally pinned on their naked chests in violent and bloody rite of passage. The barbaric hazing was soon rooted out as a cultural anomaly and is hopefully a historic footnote. (synonym) Tacking On.

A Civil War era sailor in the rank of Boy whose job it was to keep gun crews supplied with gunpowder and shot during battle. At other times, they served in other menial ways earning little more than a cot and food.

A Marine”s garrison cover. The word was used extensively in the middle 20th Century, presently out of vogue due to a serious lack of political correctness. The etymology of the word is not known. One possible explanation comes from Kate Gladstone who says, “I have heard ‘pisscutter’ used by (elderly male) non-Marines to describe anything which has a sharp, spiffy-looking fold or edge or crease – e.g., a particularly well-made hat-brim, or an admirably crisp crease in a pair of pants.” In the novel Shogun, by James Clavell, the word is used to refer to a harbor that was particularly difficult to navigate. (synonym) Sometimes pisscover.

A special unit in Marine boot camp to which recruits who are unable to maintain minimal physical conditioning are sent. Their entire day is spent in physical conditioning and once they meet the standard they are placed back into training with a platoon which is at the point where they were taken out of regular training

A khaki-colored fiber helmet used extensively for the jungle environment. Worn by Marines throughout the 20th Century in boot camp, in war, in the fleet and presently worn by primary marksmanship instructors.

An unofficial rank assigned by Marine recruiters to newly enlisted recruits in the delayed entry program, awaiting departure to recruit training. Some recruiters have regular, mandatory, formations in which rudimentary drill and physical training are conducted.

Any retard in the U.S. Army that goes to the PX, buys military awards and/or decorations that they didn”t earn and then pins them on their chest so that they can go around looking like a hero. These yahoos often claim to have served in the Rangers or Force Recon or some other elite unit, but that they got out because of an injury or because they got tired of the B.S.

1. The first enlisted rank in the Marine Corps which is identified by having no insignia.. 2. The pay grade is E-1 and is equivalent to an Army private (or Air Force airman basic) who also wears no rank insignia. 3. In the Navy and Coast Guard, a seaman recruit wears a single slash in a box on the left sleeve only.

To pit. A boot camp verb meaning to give Incentive Training (IT) to a recruit in order to improve his or her motivation, or as punishment for a minor infraction of rules. Sand pits are built in many places throughout the Marine Corps Recruit Depots at Parris Island, SC and San Diego, CA. drill instructors take recruits there to administer IT. (see also Quarterdecking)

1. The second enlisted rank in the Marine Corps. Designated by a single chevron on each sleeve. 2. The pay grade is E-2 and is equivalent to an Army private (the Army has two ranks of privates) who also wears a single chevron. 3. In the Air Force, an airman wears an inverted single stripe with a star in a circle which covers the point of the chevron. 4. Navy and Coast Guard seaman apprentices wear two slashes in a box on the left sleeve only.

Permissive Temporary Duty is granted for temporary duty away from the normal assigned duties but no additional pay is given. PTAD is granted for “recruiter assistance” duty, and is also Permissive TDY.

Naval term for left. The port side of a ship will be illuminated with a red light. (background) Larboard was the original term, but it was changed in the late 18th Century to keep from confusing it with starboard, which means right.

Proficiency and conduct marks given to Marines to the rank of sergeant by their supervisors. They are part of the formula used for promotion. Each is between 0 (totally unsat, probably not breathing) and 4 (God, on a good day).

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